News Release
March 10, 2008
HMSA’s Keiki Care Health Fair
Marisa Takahashi
(808) 948-6056
marisa_takahashi@hmsa.com
Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA) hosted a free health fair Saturday at
the Kalihi-Palama Health Center. Hundreds of families joined the fun and festivities
to help celebrate HMSA’s Keiki Care Plan, a new program developed with the
state to provide health coverage with no monthly dues to the estimated 3,500 uninsured
keiki in the Islands.
People took advantage of free health screenings and immunizations. Chefs prepared
healthy recipes and passed out wholesome and refreshing snacks to the crowd. Children
also enjoyed balloon art and played games and won prizes.
HMSA employees were on hand to share important information with families about the
Keiki Care Plan. Parents whose children are eligible signed up today for the health
plan.
“Investing in children’s health is one of the most important things
we can do for Hawaii’s future,” said Rep. Kirk Caldwell, House Majority
Leader. “By providing uninsured children with a healthy start, I believe we
will see improved school performance, improved physical and mental development,
and many other benefits, including long-term savings in health care costs. I hope
that eligible Hawaii parents take advantage of this worthwhile plan.”
HMSA’s Keiki Care Plan provides basic health care benefits, including doctor
visits, immunizations, diagnostic tests, certain preventative services, emergency
care, mental health benefits, dental services, and some prescription drugs.
The state and HMSA will fund the health plan, sharing the cost of dues for each
child. If all of the approximately 3,500 uninsured children enroll in the plan,
the annual cost to the state and HMSA would be $1 million each. HMSA will use funds
from its health plan reserve; employers and members will not subsidize the program
with their membership dues.
Enrollment began this month and coverage begins on April 1. For more information,
call HMSA at (808) 948-5555 on Oahu or 1 (800) 618-4672 on the Neighbor
Islands.
HMSA is a nonprofit, mutual benefit association founded in Hawaii in 1938. It is
governed by a community board of directors that includes representatives from health
care, business, labor, government, education, clergy, and the community at large.
HMSA is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Nationally,
HMSA and 38 other Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans provide worldwide coverage to
nearly 100 million members.
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